Sharing my Key West Legacy!

Have you eaten at Blue Heaven? It's in Bahama Village, on the corner of Petronia and Thomas streets and it reminds me alot of the Bahamas...and in addition to it's amazing food it's also famous for it's chickens, yes chickens that may be roaming around along with cats and people and all the other things that live in harmony on this little rock.

The entrance is on Petronia. It used to be on Thomas St. but it outgrew that side. The custom gate gives you an idea of what to expect....

There is a lovely walkway into main restaurant dining area...

With colorful signs to lead you along...

Over the years the restaurants reputation has grown and grown. Which very often results in a wait. But there's lot's to distract you and your party - starting with the fully stocked bar....

Where you can get a beautiful and tasty Bloody Mary like this...(Thank you to my hand model Joe Gingrow!)

And there/s plenty to see and read and do. Some of those things include..ping pong, a lovely fountain where I see many have tossed coins....

A horsie kids can climb on, hula hoops, a gift shop and lots and lots of art to look at...

I remember when Blue Heaven first opened. It was an entirely different option in an unfamiliar part of town for a lot of people, and frankly sounded a little too "adventurous" for some. Which means it totally fit for Daddy. Ever the champion of the underdog he began by eating there often, having one of his "big" birthday parties there and then bringing every travel writer that came to see him there too. He just loved the owners Richard and "Su" , and of course baby Ricky too...he still called Richard and Su his "Little Hippies" till the end. Even though they became wildly successful and have two restaurants now (Salute on the Beach -Italian- is the other), Richard and Su were always the same to him. One of Daddy's best virtues to me.

The restaurant has really grown over the years, and this picture was taken in "off season" and look how busy!

And this is why. In addition to all of the "entertainment" for what may be a wait, especially in season, the food is amazing. This is my neighbors Egg Benedict with sirloin and and asparagus.....

And shrimper gal that I am I settled for the Shrimp and Grits with scallions and white cheddar. And of course the famous banana bread for toast...so SO good! I actually ate till I couldn't eat anymore. Blue Heaven is famous for it's breakfasts, but quite honestly it's the dinners that keep me coming back...you can check out the menu here - http://www.blueheavenkw.com/#!dinner/c12wq in addition to all the other menus, and pictures taken by a REAL professional photographer.

So if you are a visitor to Key West, and haven't tried it, I highly recommend it. And slip on your "Key West laid back flip flops". You are in Key West now,and when you go...there may be a wait but enjoy yourself, because that's why your'e in Key West in the first place isn't it? As the bumper sticker says "Slow Down, this ain't the mainland"!

Smiles,

XOToni

******DISCLAIMER!!!****** I am NOT a restaurant critic! I just went there the other day and realized how much I missed the place, NO one has influenced or reimbursed me in any way..altho' Thank You Miss Charley and Mr. Joe Gingrow for breakfast! I had a lovely time with you and your Krewe....